Castle Howard, North Yorkshire

Castle Howard was the setting for period drama Brideshead Revisited. Set off from the Saxon village of Terrington and take in the fantastic Yorkshire countryside with refreshments to be had at the castle. It’s a relatively gentle trip and suitable for cyclists of most abilities.

Ellesmere Port Loop, Chester

With Canals, Locks, Rivers, Lanes, hills, bridges and bridleways, this route supplies a great blend of modern day cycling surfaces. Both on and off-road you will enjoy the views and benefit from the facilities in both Chester and Ellesmere Port.

Whinlatter Forest Park, Keswick

This is the longest purpose-built trail in the Lake District. Ideal for riders new to the “north shore” scene there are two trails – a red grade and a blue. The venue also provides one of the highest mountain forests in the UK along with some decent refreshment facilities.

The Solar System (York to Selby)

If you every wanted a little more of a novelty ride, here is your chance. This route follows a model of the galaxy, where the sun is eight feet in diameter and suspended above the track which follows part of the old East Coast main-line railway to form one of the first Sustrans routes completed in 1987.

The Grand Old City of York

York is regarded as one of the country’s premier cycling cities and has an extensive network of off-road cycle paths and on-road cycle lanes. There is a selection here, but try ‘Leasure Ride 2’ which will take you on a circular ride from the Millennium Bridge to Heslington Common via the golf course and the University campus.

Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire

Dalby Forest offers some amazing riding .There’s plenty to satisfy everyone from those who want an 80 mile jaunt to the coast, to a family loop of a couple of mile. Green, blue, red and black grading give you an idea why the Mountain Bike World Cup is staged here.